Reflections From Sunday Evening

So which of these ideas come first?
God expects more from me or God desires more for me?
I believe both of these statements are true.  Considering all the blessings we enjoy it only stands to reason that God has high expectations of us, His people.
But God is not an overly demanding God who we are eternally unable to please.  God desires much more for us.  When we consider the goodness and blessings of life we must realize we have only begun to scratch the surface of what God desires for us, His people.
What are some of the things God desires for us.  God desires for us to be forgiven of our sins and to know it.  God desires us to live an abundant life.  God desires for us to know fulfillment in serving Him and others.  God desires for us to inherit eternal life and enjoy Him forever.  This could go on and on and on.
At the same time God has high expectations for us.  Certainly we emphasize grace.  Grace is the free gift of God.  We cannot earn it nor do we deserve it.  But we live in and by grace.  This does not mean once we taste of God's grace there are no moral, ethical, or practical expectations.  In the old days (really old days) people that approached the life of faith in this manner were engaged in antinomianism.  They believed and lived as if grace eliminated any expectations or actions.  Oops.
I am not sure what the key to this is but I think I would begin with seeking to better grasp the truth that God wants much more for me.  The riches of His grace -- the fullness of His Spirit -- perfects us in love and expands life eternally. 
With this abounding love and grace come great expectations.  We seek God's will, plans, and purpose.   We seek to honor and serve the Lord each day in every way.
Truly, God expects more from us and desires more for us.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We just got home from a weekend with family in St. Louis.  It is always fun to hang out with the "kids".  They took me to the art gallery!  Also visited the Cathedral Basilica.  Wow.  Took in some blues music. 
Something I really enjoyed was our trip to "Bridge Bread" on Cherokee Street.  Rev. Kathleen Wilder, pastor of Lafayette Park UMC, inspired this ministry with the homeless in their mission field.  They developed a great bakery that is continuing to expand.  They are aiding people to escape the streets and earn a living wage through Bridge Bread.  Check out their website, www.bridgebread.org.  Insipiring.
Today we worshiped at Morning Star UMC.  This is one of our fastest growing churches in Missouri.  It was great to be there.  Kudos to Keith Scarborough who preached today.  I had Keith in a class I taught.  He is a joy to be around and it was a blessing to worship with him today.
Well, that catches you up with me.  Tomorrow it is off to do some ministry with our conference board of Ordained Ministry.  I will be participating in a pilot project for clergy renewal. 
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve